Aaron Rodgers missed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 31-28 Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears while dealing with a small fracture in his non-throwing left wrist.
It doesn’t sound like the ailment will keep the 41-year-old quarterback sidelined long-term.
Will Rodgers be able to play in Week 13 as the Steelers face a critical battle with the Buffalo Bills? Here are the latest updates on the veteran quarterback’s status.
Is Aaron Rodgers playing Week 13?
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin provided a positive outlook when discussing Rodgers’ potential availability for Week 13 at a Tuesday news conference.
‘We’ll start this week with great optimism, although we’ll certainly limit him in the early portions of the week,’ Tomlin told reporters of Rodgers. ‘Provide opportunities for the other quarterbacks while preserving him. But again, we’re comfortable with the general trajectory.’
Tomlin also added Rodgers ‘worked his tail off’ in an effort to get ready for the Week 12 game against Chicago. He reiterated that the Steelers simply kept him on the bench because it was the ‘prudent’ move.
However, despite his optimism, the 53-year-old coach did not guarantee Rodgers would start in Week 13.
‘His level of his participation, and the quality of his participation over the course of the week, will be the greatest indicator,’ Tomlin said when discussing the possibility of Rodgers playing.
Steelers QB depth chart
The Steelers have three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster, including Rodgers. Below is a look at the pecking order within the group.
Aaron Rodgers
Mason Rudolph
Will Howard
Rudolph started Sunday’s game with Rodgers out of action. The seven-year veteran completed 24 of 31 passes (77.4%) for 171 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 31-28 loss while posting an 86.9 passer rating.
Howard, a sixth-round rookie from Ohio State, dressed as Rudolph’s backup. It marked his first time being on an active, gameday roster, as he spent the first 10 weeks of the season on IR before serving as the emergency third quarterback in Week 11.
The Steelers also have veteran Skylar Thompson in their organization. He is currently on IR because of a hamstring injury.